We can see the end result here of what passionate discus keepers feel.
I personally have dealt with low end quality discus..and in my case, these are the Discus that are found in the LFS in my area...none of the Box stores keep them any longer and a few of the smaller LFS have discus I would NOT purchase for my tanks.
That said I ws able to find a hobby breeder that had nice locl fish and at a resonable price..while these would not be what high end breeders would keep.. they were priced so that I could delv into discus keeping at an affordable price. even at $15- $20 per fishthis was affordable..especially for discus.
keep in mind that young discus = many feedings = many water changes.. which can be reduced to a single large water change weekely when the discus rech maturity.
Discus are foragers.. with large bodies and small digestive systems..
personally, I feel the objective is to try and get the best information to the OP.
If you want to keep Discus.. then calculate 10-15 gallons per adult discus, keeping in mind the final objective of keeping adult Discus.
Best to keep 5-6 as minimum count in the tank unless you have a breeding pair.
most times you will purchase Juveniles.. which should get the best care including multiple feedings , warm and clean water.
bare bottom tanks are the best way for juveniles. while you do not need to keep discus in similar situations as many breeders.. it is best to keep the water clean as possible.remember food=waste=water changes.. even tho Discus , over time, have adapted to home aquaria.. they do thrive in clean water..usually acidic water.
the arguement here. relates to some personal observations.. many of the Discus Keepers are quite proud to keep these 'showpiece' Discus..which IME are usually the healthy ones..I'm not saying your local LFS does not have good discus.. I can only speak of the LFS in my area..and repeat..in my case it is best to look to trusted sources (aka breeders) and not the LFS.
I Keep both Discus and wild Angel fish..IME these fish require more care than many of the standard fish available to aquaria..and this is why it is highly suggested that 'Experienced' fish keepers should attempt these species.
To the OP.. I commend you for inquiring and suggest you read these threads with a grain of salt.
if you feel the need for more information without the bantering.. I know I for one would be happy to dicuss off line.
enjoy..and don't be afraid to attemp Discus..they are worth any extra effort you put into them.